Published:
Use CARE to Avoid Buying a Flood-Damaged Car, According to NADAguides.com
COSTA MESA, Calif., July 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Due to recent flooding in the
Midwest and the fact that hurricane season is officially here with Hurricane
Dolly making landfall yesterday, there will be many flood-damaged cars sold to
unsuspecting buyers. During Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, for example,
NADA estimates that 500,000 vehicles that had their titles branded as
flood- or storm-damaged lost those designations, after being repaired and
re-titled in another state.
NADAguides.com, a leading vehicle pricing and information website, offers
tips using the acronym CARE to help consumers easily remember how to avoid
purchasing a flood-damaged car.
Carpet
Pay attention to moldy smells inside the car and lift the carpet to check
for residue or stain marks. "A strong odor, air freshener or cleaning fluid
could also be a sign the seller is trying to hide a telltale odor," says Tara
Baukus Mello, senior writer and lead market analyst at NADAguides.com. "Be
suspicious of newly-installed carpets or upholstery on newer model cars."
AutoCheck Vehicle History Reports
A vehicle history report can tell you if a car has been branded Flood,
Hail, Lemon, Rebuilt or Reconstructed, among other words or symbols, which
could indicate flood-related damage. It also notes where and how many times
the car has been titled. This information remains on the report for the life
of the vehicle.
"Even if you don't live in an area that's been affected by a flood, cars
can be repaired and shipped across state lines where titles can lose
flood-damaged designations," said Baukus Mello. Consumers can easily order an
Auto Check(R) vehicle history report that highlights this information when
they are researching car prices at NADAguides.com.
Rust and Residue
Check for dirt buildup in unusual areas inside the car. Inspect for rust
inside and outside the car in areas where water typically wouldn't reach. Pay
attention to rust or flaking metal on the undercarriage of the car too. Be
concerned if you notice corrosion, water marks or a thin brown line on the
exterior of the vehicle.
Electric
Check to see if the car's electrical system works and be sure to perform
an inspection of the electrical wiring system, looking for rusted components,
water residue or suspicious corrosion.
"Be on the lookout for people trying to sell a vehicle without revealing
its history," said Baukus Mello. "All too often, flood-damaged cars that are
structurally or mechanically unsafe are repaired, re-titled and sold to
unsuspecting consumers."
While these inspection tips won't detect flood damage in every case,
Baukus Mello says they're a great place to start. She strongly advises car
buyers to solicit the help of a certified mechanic to perform a detailed
vehicle inspection prior to any used car purchase.
About NADAguides.com
NADAguides.com is the world's largest publisher of vehicle pricing and
specification information for new and used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs, as
well as van conversions, limousines, classic and collectible cars, boats,
personal watercraft, RVs, motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles and manufactured
housing. At NADAguides.com (www.NADAguides.com), consumers have access to a
variety of new and used vehicle services in addition to valuation information.
SOURCE NADAguides.com
Copyright © 2009, PRNewswire
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Copyright © 2009, NewsBlaze,
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